Captain Joe grew up sailing, power boating, and canoeing the waters of Minnesota and Wisconsin, and the impact of these experiences left their mark.  Sailing on San Francisco Bay, as well as charter trips in Mexico and the Caribbean, nurtured a love of sailing on larger boats, and the possibiliities they suggest.  Decades into a successful winemaking career in Sonoma County, California, the lure of returning to the Land of 10,000 Lakes grew impossible to resist.  A move to Duluth in 2020, and purchase of MECO, a classic Great Lakes sailboat, provided a return to these familiar places and access to the big water of Lake Superior!
After earning his US Coast Guard commercial captain’s license, and operating charters in Duluth and Bayfield, WI, MECO Sailing was launched. Sailing Lake Superior’s waters and introducing others to the experience provides incredible variety and daily inspiration.
In addition to skippering sailboats, Joe is a year-round outdoor enthusiast.  The year is well-spent skiing, snowboarding, and curling in the winter, mountain biking and camping in the summer, and as many days sailiing as the season allows!
A passion for education, a focus on safety, and an appreciation for those who choose adventure (like sailing!) make Captain Joe a great guide for your sailing experience on Lake Superior!